About Me

Hi there! I'm Riley, a lifelong creator, crochet enthusiast, and Early Childhood Education major pursuing my certification in Special Education.

I first picked up a crochet hook in 2018 and quickly fell in love with the endless possibilities of turning a simple strand of yarn into something meaningful. What began with handmade gifts and classroom creations eventually grew into a small business and even led to local news coverage of my work as a teen.

I began a small business, Crayon Crochet Critters, in 2019 that I managed online and at craft shows until 2024. After taking a brief “crochet sabbatical” from online orders, I’m officially relaunching and rebranding my site. 

Long before I became an educator, I was a student who always needed something to do with my hands. When I discovered crochet, it quickly became more than a hobby; it became a tool that helped me focus. Some teachers recognized that I participated more and stayed engaged when I crocheted during class, while others saw only the yarn and assumed I wasn’t paying attention.

Experiencing both perspectives taught me an important lesson: telling someone to "stop fidgeting" doesn't solve the need behind the behavior. For many individuals, movement and sensory input are what make focus possible in the first place. That understanding has stayed with me throughout my work in education and continues to inspire the products I create today.

My work today is deeply influenced by my experiences working with children. I believe every behavior tells a story, and that understanding, patience, and meaningful relationships are at the heart of helping people thrive.

Thank you for stopping by and supporting my small business. I'm so glad you're here!

Feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns!